Original Nintendo Switch passes the DS to become Nintendo’s bestselling console

The original Nintendo Switch, despite being succeeded by the Switch 2 last year, continues to thrive in the gaming market. Nintendo has been rolling out numerous games and significant updates, including for popular titles like Animal Crossing, compatible with both the original and the new console. This strategy keeps the original Switch relevant and accessible for gamers who may not want to spend $450 on the latest model. Recent financial reports from Nintendo reveal that as of December 31, 2025, the original Switch has officially surpassed the Nintendo DS to become the best-selling hardware in the company's history, with total sales reaching an impressive 155.37 million units. This milestone reflects the console's enduring popularity, especially as it sold 3.25 million units during Nintendo’s fiscal year 2026, which included 1.36 million sold over the holiday season. Despite a price increase introduced in August 2025 due to changing market conditions, the Switch continues to perform strongly. Now ranked as the second-best-selling game console ever, the Switch is just shy of overtaking Sony’s PlayStation 2, which boasts over 160 million units sold throughout its lifetime. At its current sales trajectory, Nintendo expects to sell around 750,000 units in the upcoming quarter, suggesting it may take a few more years to reach this goal, especially as the gaming landscape shifts with the introduction of the Switch 2.